"I was really excited to play but I was also a bit nervous, which was showing in the beginning, but I managed to relax after a few games and I started playing really well," Swan told the Fed Cup website.

"It's just amazing to get to play for your country - for me it's the best thing in tennis representing your country.

"British tennis is doing amazing. We have the Davis Cup boys who just won and obviously Jo and Andy (Murray) and Jamie (Murray) doing so well in Australia. It's inspired the whole team."

Watson, ranked 85th, was a comfortable 6-3 6-3 winner over world number 317 Chanel Simmonds in the second singles, before Rae and Smith defeated Madrie Le Roux and Michelle Sammons 6-3 6-2.

Britain will take on Georgia in the second and final group tie on Friday, with victory likely to set up a clash with Belgium on Saturday for one of the two qualification places on offer.

Watson made her Fed Cup debut in 2011 and played in her 20th tie against South Africa